Fibrosing colonopathy is a potential adverse effect of which therapy in cystic fibrosis?

Fibrosing colonopathy is a potential adverse effect of which therapy in cystic fibrosis?

• A. Steatorrhea
• B. Fibrosing colonopathy
• C. Meconium ileus
• D. Cystic fibrosis related diabetes

Answer: (B)

Fibrosing colonopathy is linked to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy used for pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis. When very high doses of pancreatic enzymes (especially lipase formulations) are given, they can irritate the lining of the colon and trigger an inflammatory-fibrotic response, leading to thickening and stricture formation. This adverse effect became most noted when enzyme doses were excessively high, and modern practice uses lower, carefully titrated doses and improved formulations to minimize risk. Other options describe conditions or symptoms rather than a treatment causing this complication. Steatorrhea is a consequence of pancreatic insufficiency and prompts enzyme therapy; meconium ileus is a CF-related bowel obstruction present at birth; diabetes is a separate CF-related complication.

Fibrosing colonopathy is linked to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy used for pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis. When very high doses of pancreatic enzymes (especially lipase formulations) are given, they can irritate the lining of the colon and trigger an inflammatory-fibrotic response, leading to thickening and stricture formation. This adverse effect became most noted when enzyme doses were excessively high, and modern practice uses lower, carefully titrated doses and improved formulations to minimize risk.

Other options describe conditions or symptoms rather than a treatment causing this complication. Steatorrhea is a consequence of pancreatic insufficiency and prompts enzyme therapy; meconium ileus is a CF-related bowel obstruction present at birth; diabetes is a separate CF-related complication.